Apologies in advance if I'm breaking any forum protocol by posting a "for sale" here...
There was some indication in this pricing string about folks interested in 88M5's, so here goes. I'm actually pretty seriously considering selling mine. Here is the story on the car:
Its been in my family since about 1989 or 90 (I assume a "car fax" history would prove this point). I bought it from my brother, who bought it from my dad about 8 years ago. Its been a "third" car for most of its life, and used fairly little for the last 3-4 years, so my brother made me "a deal"... (its a third car for me as well).
The car has 128K miles.
In the last 10 months, since I got the car I've done a fair amount of "maintenance" to get the car right. It runs great, and is a blast to drive.
Her is whats been done:
Reskinned the drivers seat, and re-dyed the passenger and rear seats. New M Badges. The seats look fantastic. (have receipts for all the work)
The dash has only a very small, perhaps 1/4 inch or less, crack on the passengers side, otherwise in perfect shape. Not faded at all. Nothing to do there.
The door panels are a 9/10, with the common drivers door handle stained with hand oil after 19 years of hands touching it.
The rugs are very clean, and I imagine could be spotless if professionally cleaned.
The leather under the dash has a few marks, but nothing dramatic.
New Stereo (black Sony, MP3 preouts, with red matching dash illumination), 2 channel amp, all new speakers, subwoofer in the trunk.
Mechanically in the last 8 months (Work done by MotorSpeed West in Santa Clara, CA and have receipts for):
Front brake overhall, new rotors (M6), pads & pad sensors and caliper rebuild (both sides).
New front support arms (left and right)
New O2 Sensor, new throttle switch, converted (134A) and recharged the A/C, new spark plugs, distributor cap, rotor and ingnition coil. New valve cover gaskett. New K&N airfliter. New transmission mounts and shift joint replacement to tighten up the shifter.
At 121K miles (May 2005) new clutch, pilot bearing, clutch pivot pin and flywheel replacement. A few other exhaust seals etc. Have the paperowrk on these repairs. (has stainless steel exhaust, not sure of the brand).
To my knowledge the car has never been hit, numbers matching VIN panels, dash, motor etc. Its a straight car.
I had it deatiled and the paint is a 10-15 footer. It came out looking pretty good. It has some hood/rock chips, a few minor scratches, and the only ding of significance (about the size of a quarter) is on the passenger side front quarter panel.
The rocker panels directly behind the front wheels have some tired paint, but no rust anywhere on the car as it was always garage and never driven in the winter.
The other things I know:
The radiator has a minor leak in the plastic near the upper hose, the clutch hose has a small leak. The steering box has slight amount of play. There appears to be a leak at the rear of the valve cover or cam block (I've had three different mechanics indicate its not significant and monitor only). I continue to knock off the repairs...
Over all its clean inside and out, and runs strong and well. ie its a good example of a stock 88M5. It drives great and is a blast. By far the most "fun" car I've ever owned.
Hartge (sp?) Wheels, Bridgestone Potenza S03 tires with a fair amount of tread. One wheel has been curbed, the other three are pretty much unscratched.
The SLS has been removed. The suspension is good. Not sure what brand/type. The suspension is tight and not on the list of "need repair." BMP strut bar up front.
So, why am I selling it after all this work in 10 short months?
I kind of jumped on the oppurtunity to own the car witout much consideration or thought. It was in my family and really easy to do...And I have always loved it. I appreciate the limited quantity and "classic" nature of the car.
All the typical 88M5 "classic" knowledge aside, its a third car for my wife and I, and we would like to use the money for some needed bathroom remodeling on our house. ie the timing just doesn't make financial sense.
Additionally, I'm not much of a mechanic, and this car deserves that kind of environment...
If anyone on the board is interested, please PM me with questions or call me at 408-857-3075. I'd like to find someone who will appreciate the car. I'm fairly sure of the value and condition, but based on the "deal" I got, I'm sure I won't be too out of line pricing wise to get my money back and for someone to get a killer car...
I'll be taking photos in the next day or so and posting them. I may consider a Craigs list ad, a BMWCCA ad or an eBay auction...haven't made a firm decision.
M5 Prices
What I paid
I paid 10k usd for a nice 145k mile M5 with extensive repair records and maintenance done primarily by DINAN. Its a solid car that hauls ass with no major issues. Only change from stock inclue DINAN stage 1 suspension and a DINAN chip. Seemed like a fair deal to me. I love this car! 
I am curious on the values of the M5 with the dollar exchange lately.
For almost a decade, a typical good condition, sub 100k M5, has retailed for around 14-15k US dollars... and about 20-21k Canadian Dollars. There has not been much movement on the prices at all.
Suddenly with the dollar values all skewed up.. hehe.. what does that mean for my car? Is it worth 14US ? or 20 CAD? 20US? ... 14CAD? ( BOO HOO HOO HOO????)
Seems to me that I have more incentive than ever to keep my car....
For almost a decade, a typical good condition, sub 100k M5, has retailed for around 14-15k US dollars... and about 20-21k Canadian Dollars. There has not been much movement on the prices at all.
Suddenly with the dollar values all skewed up.. hehe.. what does that mean for my car? Is it worth 14US ? or 20 CAD? 20US? ... 14CAD? ( BOO HOO HOO HOO????)
Seems to me that I have more incentive than ever to keep my car....
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Ted in T.O.
- Posts: 3412
- Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
- Location: Mississauga,Ontario
New Member - just bought a new M5, Black and Tan of course (not a rare black and black version).
I promised to provide my "current market" information. I bought from local person that had previously advertised the car on ebay. $15k.
The car is a nine (or at least I think so), both interior and exterior. Just needs a professional polish (black is tough to do). All stock except the radio, and thankfully a Dinan suspension, replacing the SLS.
Mechanically, I think 8.5 or better, it needs a few minor things , mostly from sitting around a lot for the last few years. About 2k miles in over 3 years.
I have it in the shop for a very complete checkup. Waiting for the final verdict and repair estimate right now. Nothing major found.
Car has 110k miles, very complete documentation going back to less than 10k miles. California car for the first 16 years. I am the fifth owner. P. O. put less than 1k miles on it.
Interior - No dash cracks, seats with very little wear (they were covered by sheepskins for many years), carpet very nice, new berber style mats, a little wear on the shifter handle.
Exterior paint is excellent, needs a good polish. Original wheels are perfect, needs one new roundel emblem for one of the hub covers. Front and rear spoilers in excellent condition.
Needs new euro headlamps (has old tired sealed beams).
Adding chip. Replacing tires (they are very old).
More to come.......
Guess I need to change my signature now!
I
I promised to provide my "current market" information. I bought from local person that had previously advertised the car on ebay. $15k.
The car is a nine (or at least I think so), both interior and exterior. Just needs a professional polish (black is tough to do). All stock except the radio, and thankfully a Dinan suspension, replacing the SLS.
Mechanically, I think 8.5 or better, it needs a few minor things , mostly from sitting around a lot for the last few years. About 2k miles in over 3 years.
I have it in the shop for a very complete checkup. Waiting for the final verdict and repair estimate right now. Nothing major found.
Car has 110k miles, very complete documentation going back to less than 10k miles. California car for the first 16 years. I am the fifth owner. P. O. put less than 1k miles on it.
Interior - No dash cracks, seats with very little wear (they were covered by sheepskins for many years), carpet very nice, new berber style mats, a little wear on the shifter handle.
Exterior paint is excellent, needs a good polish. Original wheels are perfect, needs one new roundel emblem for one of the hub covers. Front and rear spoilers in excellent condition.
Needs new euro headlamps (has old tired sealed beams).
Adding chip. Replacing tires (they are very old).
More to come.......
Guess I need to change my signature now!
I
BBIggs wrote:Didn't I read somewhere that they all look the same....
I will post picks soon, when it has been properly detailed.
They all looked the same on the showroom floor. Your "9" might be someone else's "10" or maybe "6." Besides, I think most of us never get tired of looking at these cars.You say it's been sitting around for a few years. How's the compression? Does the documentation show anything to do with the timing chain at about 100k miles? Sounds like you've got yourself a really good example. Congratulations.
When I said it had been sitting around..it wasn't entirely dormant. It had been used a little and fluids changed. Good documentation of all service and maintenance.
It is in the shop getting a few things done, including:
New lights/ Hella H1's and H4's;
New chip;
New dash circuit board (found out the bad news this morning - ouch);
New sway bar bushings;
and a few other little things.
Emissions test;
Then off to the tire shop.
I'm guessing I will be ready for a local meet in the next couple of weeks.
It is in the shop getting a few things done, including:
New lights/ Hella H1's and H4's;
New chip;
New dash circuit board (found out the bad news this morning - ouch);
New sway bar bushings;
and a few other little things.
Emissions test;
Then off to the tire shop.
I'm guessing I will be ready for a local meet in the next couple of weeks.
I'll wait!
I'm a neeby all the way around. I purchased a 528e 0n 9/1/07 with significant upgrades to the susp/brakes. The only defects are the normal dash crack, head rest non-funct and pwr antennae ain't power no mo. I put 1100mi on it in two days and have had no problems(except frt shimmy 60-40mph while braking)
With that said, I fell in love with the E28 altogether. I lspent some time looking for a 535 and found very few really nice ones. Then I read the input on the //M5 (i.e. how fast, the history, the conversation of the //M5 owners). So, I bought one. I'll share the details w/the pix.
P.S. That Blk on Blk is Sweet. (Nice Profile).
With that said, I fell in love with the E28 altogether. I lspent some time looking for a 535 and found very few really nice ones. Then I read the input on the //M5 (i.e. how fast, the history, the conversation of the //M5 owners). So, I bought one. I'll share the details w/the pix.
P.S. That Blk on Blk is Sweet. (Nice Profile).
Do M6's count? We share a motor if not the practicality.
Do M6's count? We share a motor if not the practicality.
They seem to go for 10-20% less than the M5's.
I bought an Arctic blue metallic european 1985 M6 in May this year. It has almost 240k miles with 120k miles on the Dinan stage II 3.9 liter stroker (205-210psi compression on all cylinders). I paid $12,500 which included shipping from Alabama to Michigan. I replaced the odd 17" Momo wheels with a used set of E34 throwing stars and have changed the guide and timing chain. It is a 9.5/10 mechanically - my priority when looking for a car. It had a fair repaint and new front spoiler a year ago. The black water buffalo interior was redyed (no rips, but a couple edge beading areas are gone on the driver's seat) and a new Momo flat bottomed steering wheel (easier ingress/egress for my 6'4" frame). Dash cracks? Canyons. It was a California daily driver until 2006 21 years in the So-Cal sun. 7/10 exterior, 6/10 interior.
All told I have about $14,200 into it (less once I sell the old set of wheels). It's an excellent driver. Once I polish the paint it'll be a great 20-footer.
They seem to go for 10-20% less than the M5's.
I bought an Arctic blue metallic european 1985 M6 in May this year. It has almost 240k miles with 120k miles on the Dinan stage II 3.9 liter stroker (205-210psi compression on all cylinders). I paid $12,500 which included shipping from Alabama to Michigan. I replaced the odd 17" Momo wheels with a used set of E34 throwing stars and have changed the guide and timing chain. It is a 9.5/10 mechanically - my priority when looking for a car. It had a fair repaint and new front spoiler a year ago. The black water buffalo interior was redyed (no rips, but a couple edge beading areas are gone on the driver's seat) and a new Momo flat bottomed steering wheel (easier ingress/egress for my 6'4" frame). Dash cracks? Canyons. It was a California daily driver until 2006 21 years in the So-Cal sun. 7/10 exterior, 6/10 interior.
All told I have about $14,200 into it (less once I sell the old set of wheels). It's an excellent driver. Once I polish the paint it'll be a great 20-footer.
Re: Do M6's count? We share a motor if not the practicality
I've seen the opposite. The sixers tend to go for a bit more from what I've seen.gkrea1 wrote:Do M6's count? We share a motor if not the practicality.
They seem to go for 10-20% less than the M5's.
It sounds like you got a good deal though it's going to cost you a bit to sort out the interior. Dash cracks are an inevitability, but at least yours is black, so you might be able to find a decent used one. The black dash is still available from the dealer as well, I think.
Pics?
Dash canyons specifically and investing in cosmetics generally are low on my list of priorities. My first 6er was a near-perfect turbo and taught me how to fix and maintain a 80's BMW. This one is to teach me how to drive. My wishful To-Do list is
2008: Make everything right (fix dipping headlights, headlight wipers, add a third brake light, polish paint, detail engine bay) and attend a driving school. Need to upgrade the nut behind the wheel.
2009-10: Upgrade the handling and brakes as weakness are learned in driving schools. Install reliable gauges (dual oil Temp/Pressure, dual AFR/vac-boost, and coolant temp) and possible a brake bias valve.
2011-12: Stand alone engine management (Haltech?) and more driving schools. May need a clutch and tranny work by now.
20??: Kids starting college so who knows, but rebuilding the motor one winter and adding a turbo the next would make this a much more interesting car.
It looks like any other euro M6 which look almost like every other 6er so nothing special there. It's debadged (personal preferance). I'll try to post my favorite picture taken during the chain/guide R&R work this fall.
Stock stroke is 84mm.
2008: Make everything right (fix dipping headlights, headlight wipers, add a third brake light, polish paint, detail engine bay) and attend a driving school. Need to upgrade the nut behind the wheel.
2009-10: Upgrade the handling and brakes as weakness are learned in driving schools. Install reliable gauges (dual oil Temp/Pressure, dual AFR/vac-boost, and coolant temp) and possible a brake bias valve.
2011-12: Stand alone engine management (Haltech?) and more driving schools. May need a clutch and tranny work by now.
20??: Kids starting college so who knows, but rebuilding the motor one winter and adding a turbo the next would make this a much more interesting car.
It looks like any other euro M6 which look almost like every other 6er so nothing special there. It's debadged (personal preferance). I'll try to post my favorite picture taken during the chain/guide R&R work this fall.
Stock stroke is 84mm.
M5 prices in 1988
Ok not to be a jerk.....I paid $49,500.00 + a $7,000.00 mark up for my M5 in October 1988 from my local dealer. I was 13th on the waiting list. Lucky me the other's lost interest or bought Corvettes. I sold almost everything I owned and fortunately no one would buy my mother! Yes I got screwed but there was no other way to get the car of my dreams back then. Grey market ones were scary and scarce. I drove my dad's 85 Euro M5 in Germany where he was stationed and I was hooked. It is a sellers market here in Cali and prices go from $9,000.00 to $12,500.00 for a decent example. One thing is always certain, all will need a rebuit engine at some point. My rebuild came to a shocking 18K after 234,000 hard miles but I still have my 20 year old baby and hopefully another 20 years. I think the falling prices are due to so many neglected and thrashed examples in the market. M6's and M3's of this generation are selling for much higher prices because these models seemed to be more loved by their previous owners?
In 1999, a Japanese business man left his card on my windsheild saying to name my price. I called him and he wanted the car so he can put it on a container on his cargo ship headed for Tokyo in two days! He claimed this was the cleanest M5 he has every seen and would be a worthy replacement to his wrecked 86 model. Car had about 120K miles on it and ACS body kit already installed. I told him the car was not for sale. He offered me $30,000.00 to my surprise. I respectfully declined and to this day still wonder if the guy was legit.
Yes I got screwed but there was no other way to get the car of my dreams back then. Grey market ones were scary and scarce. I drove my dad's 85 Euro M5 in Germany where he was stationed and I was hooked. It is a sellers market here in Cali and prices go from $9,000.00 to $12,500.00 for a decent example. One thing is always certain, all will need a rebuit engine at some point. My rebuild came to a shocking 18K after 234,000 hard miles but I still have my 20 year old baby and hopefully another 20 years. I think the falling prices are due to so many neglected and thrashed examples in the market. M6's and M3's of this generation are selling for much higher prices because these models seemed to be more loved by their previous owners?In 1999, a Japanese business man left his card on my windsheild saying to name my price. I called him and he wanted the car so he can put it on a container on his cargo ship headed for Tokyo in two days! He claimed this was the cleanest M5 he has every seen and would be a worthy replacement to his wrecked 86 model. Car had about 120K miles on it and ACS body kit already installed. I told him the car was not for sale. He offered me $30,000.00 to my surprise. I respectfully declined and to this day still wonder if the guy was legit.
funny I never saw this post..B7Turbo wrote:Hey Ted, you are very generous, offering $14,000 for that piece of crap; the car is worth as much as the owner worth. When the owner’s word worth nothing so as the car it self. As far as I am concerned that car should be pickled perhaps for the next generation. End of the story.
WTF is wrong with you man? How can you hold you damn best in show trophy with any pride after posting this.
Why do you say my car is a piece of crap? I have worked hard to keep it stock and as good as I can. All you did is throw money at yours until you won.
Blatant slandering like this is horrible. I pride myself on my integrity and my determination to be honest and fair. Some people dont like hearing the brutal truth, but I am quite free to state it. When you dont even have the balls to put your name or explain where my word was worth nothing, it makes you a very shallow man.
I suspect that you are referring to when I considered selling my car to Mark. ( correct me if I am wrong) I have copies of emails back and forth from Mark about trying to sell my car and there is nothing that I can find that is wrong. I let him drive my car for hours on the way back from 5erFest. I named my price. He offered less several times. I continued to state my price and he did not want to pay. There is nothing wrong with the exchange.
Bruce
Hey, Jingle bell boy, I am not going to dignify your post, but one thing that I know is that money talks BS walks, but for your info and the rest of people whom reading this post that is all I have to say. I have a hard time believing you, because Mark has a copy of the email correspondence between you and him to proof that you are not telling the truth and you must be shamed of your self and must have lots of nerve to bring up this subject again. And truly we are extremely glad the Mark didn’t buy your &%#$@*&+_(*&. 
How about something beyond slander.. Show the email.... I dare you.. there is nothing there. You are LYING.
You are a total embarassment to the group...
I know you like e28s, that is fine, we all do. But as a person you have just degraded yourself to lowlife level.
Where is my BS???? what are you talking about? you are being like a teenage highshool girl and gossiping without ANYTHING to back you up.
If you want to insult my car.. I think that you need to go beyond
shamelessly calling it a POS. what are you insulting? my car is a fine example of an e28. Its maintenance has been nothing short of fanatical.
If you want to insult me... come and do it to my face.
You are a total embarassment to the group...
I know you like e28s, that is fine, we all do. But as a person you have just degraded yourself to lowlife level.
Where is my BS???? what are you talking about? you are being like a teenage highshool girl and gossiping without ANYTHING to back you up.
If you want to insult my car.. I think that you need to go beyond
shamelessly calling it a POS. what are you insulting? my car is a fine example of an e28. Its maintenance has been nothing short of fanatical.
If you want to insult me... come and do it to my face.
I learned long time a go that never argue with an idiot. Just to turn your lights on, I give you a hint, I am still part of our group and you are not, Think and Think hard, perhaps you need to go for another soul searching in what ever place that you were gone last time, may be you will find it and this time bring it with you don't leave it there. 
I wonder how you go to sleep when you are showing yourself to be UNKIND and RUDE... I wonder what your mother would think of your behaviour.
I am not an idiot.. please stop insulting me. I am quite intelligent actually.
I am also not argueing with you. I am telling you that your comments about me and my car are WRONG. I am asking you to back up what you are saying. You threw the first punch Mr., dont try to just take the last word and walk away.
I am not an idiot.. please stop insulting me. I am quite intelligent actually.
I am also not argueing with you. I am telling you that your comments about me and my car are WRONG. I am asking you to back up what you are saying. You threw the first punch Mr., dont try to just take the last word and walk away.
SOLD: 26,500.00
First off I want apologize to the folks who PM'd me about my M5 and whom I told that I would post it on the board when I decided to sell her. She went into the shop to get a full detail and get ready for sale and one of my mechanic's customers bought her today.
She was a great car and I had a lot of fun getting her sorted and met several super folks here on the board in the process. Brian the Parts Pimp in particular.
Here are the details. Milage @ 90K, zero paintwork, and super interior with no damage. In 2004 I sent her Motorsport Connections in Winston-Salem, NC for a total mechanical refurbishment - everything from the timing chain to all hoses. At that time we also installed UUC exhaust, Fahey hub, cam and track pipe (I still have the cats). Dinan chip too.
Next I sent her to BMW of Chatanooga where Brian the Parts Pimp installed all new trim and any other cosmetic bits that could still be ordered new from BMW including a new front spoiler. New euro headlights too. The biggest splurge was a new leather dash and door caps. I believe this was the last leather dash to come from BMW in Germany. (Duke actually sourced the front door caps as they were NLA.) Also install a new rear sunscreen which is now NLA.
Recently I installed ceramic coated euro headers - bought new from Brian. Also UUC short shifter and pedal set. Wheels are refinished.
She is fast and tight. Zero paintwork and no rust. Interior is darn near perfect with no rips, tears etc. Service book is stamped consistently by previous owner and of course I have all of my records.
My "investment" was north of $40k. I wish I had driven her more than I did, I had great aspirations of taking her to 5er Fest and on the track. Other commitments and projects got in the way.
I hope the new owner will have fun and "drive it like he stole it"!!! I hope he will also join the board and keep us posted on his upgrades. He says he wants to upgrade the suspension and the stereo.
Cheers, george
She was a great car and I had a lot of fun getting her sorted and met several super folks here on the board in the process. Brian the Parts Pimp in particular.
Here are the details. Milage @ 90K, zero paintwork, and super interior with no damage. In 2004 I sent her Motorsport Connections in Winston-Salem, NC for a total mechanical refurbishment - everything from the timing chain to all hoses. At that time we also installed UUC exhaust, Fahey hub, cam and track pipe (I still have the cats). Dinan chip too.
Next I sent her to BMW of Chatanooga where Brian the Parts Pimp installed all new trim and any other cosmetic bits that could still be ordered new from BMW including a new front spoiler. New euro headlights too. The biggest splurge was a new leather dash and door caps. I believe this was the last leather dash to come from BMW in Germany. (Duke actually sourced the front door caps as they were NLA.) Also install a new rear sunscreen which is now NLA.
Recently I installed ceramic coated euro headers - bought new from Brian. Also UUC short shifter and pedal set. Wheels are refinished.
She is fast and tight. Zero paintwork and no rust. Interior is darn near perfect with no rips, tears etc. Service book is stamped consistently by previous owner and of course I have all of my records.
My "investment" was north of $40k. I wish I had driven her more than I did, I had great aspirations of taking her to 5er Fest and on the track. Other commitments and projects got in the way.
I hope the new owner will have fun and "drive it like he stole it"!!! I hope he will also join the board and keep us posted on his upgrades. He says he wants to upgrade the suspension and the stereo.
Cheers, george
